Max to return with exciting new floor and pommel elements at London Open

MAX WHITLOCK will make his return to competition with an exciting update to his floor and pommel routines at the 2017 London Open.

South Essex’s double Olympic champion, who has taken a break from the sport since his starring role at the 2016 Rio Games, will compete at the Redbridge Sports Centre in Barkingside this weekend (September 9-10).

It will also act as a qualifier for this month’s World Gymnastic Championships in Canada, and will feature the new Max Whitlock Competition for Under-14s, which has replaced the former Clayton Bolt event.

Max’s coach Scott Hann said: “Max has done a control trial at Lilleshall but this will be the first time he has competed since Rio.

“He’ll be showing a few new elements on floor which we have been working on this year and we look forward to seeing it in action.”

Fellow South Essex senior Jay Thompson will also compete as bids to secure a spot on the plane to Canada.

SEGC newboy Tommy Nicolaou will also be in action as will the club’s Jamaican star Reece Beckford.

Hayden Skinner will return to action in the Under-16s after battling an elbow injury for 18 months, and Doug Turnbull and Joshua Underwood will compete on all six pieces in the Under-15s section.

For further information about the 2017 London Open, or to book tickets, click here.